Process Engineering Laboratory Technician

Classification:

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? 

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017!

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. 

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Process Engineering Laboratory Technician to support product development, color matching, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will perform laboratory testing on a variety of liquid and solid materials, support manufacturing investigations, and assist with process optimization projects.

The ideal candidate will have experience with laboratory testing, color measurement, data analysis, and problem-solving in a manufacturing environment. Experience with color science, X-Rite spectrophotometers, statistical analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE) is highly desirable.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary. 

Process Lab Testing (70%)

• Perform laboratory testing on liquid and solid materials.
• Assist and lead color matching activities for new product development, continuous improvement, and research projects.
• Utilize spectrophotometers and other laboratory instruments to evaluate product performance.
• Support Engineering on building color databases.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and test documentation.
• Assist with process development and continuous improvement testing.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and maintain a clean work environment.

Data Analysis/Root Cause Analysis (10%)

• Analyze quality data to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
  • Support Manufacturing and Engineering team in quality failure investigations.
  • Analyze product production requirements and ensure JDE data are accurate.
  • Assist Engineering with developing and revising quality work instructions.
  • Assist Engineering with new and revised training procedures.

Plant Support (10%): 

• Assist engineering in identifying, developing, and implementing process improvement initiatives that reduce waste and non-value-added activities.
• Provide support to Engineering on production, product, and quality issues as required.

Pilot Plant Support (10%)

• Support Pilot Technician with pilot batch production as required.
• Execute required lab testing for experiments completed in the pilot plant.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Specialized Skills and Experience:

• 2-4+ years of laboratory, manufacturing, process support, or product testing experience.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with color matching and troubleshooting.
• Experience with color formulation and color correction software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Experience conducting laboratory testing and documenting results.
• Team player: maintain a positive, cooperative attitude with all employees of LATICRETE and all customers.
• Leadership skills. 
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data collection and analysis.

Travel Requirement: 

• Up to 15%
• Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds.   
• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds. 
• Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50-75% of the day. 
• Sitting: Must be able to sit 25-50% of the day.
• Twisting/Bending: Must be able to Twist/bend 50-75% of the day.
• Squatting, Climbing and/or Crawling: Must be able to squat/climb/crawl 20% of the day.

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The hiring range for this position is $45,000 to $55,000 annually.  Actual compensation is based on experience, skills, geographic location and other job-related factors permitted by law.